Cielo Farms Wedding Venue Guide and Review

Cielo Farms is a highly sought-after Malibu vineyard estate often booked for rustic-themed weddings. Since it’s so popular, improper wedding prep can lead to unexpected financial and logistical challenges if this is your dream venue. Our Cielo Farms wedding venue review can help you avoid such pitfalls and make your Cielo Farms wedding day worth the wait.

4 December 2024 / Caius Symboll®

Cielo Farms Wedding Venue Review: A Wine Lover’s Dream Vineyard Venue

Deep in the heart of Malibu, Cielo Farms offers an intimate, family-owned venue with a unique Italian-Mediterranean charm. With the ability to host up to 200 wedding guests, Cielo Farms is perfect for both cozy gatherings and larger celebrations. The venue’s comprehensive services, including event coordination, valet parking, and custom menu design, can make your special day run smoothly.

The rustic stone barn adds a touch of elegance, making it a stunning backdrop for wedding photos. The spectacular Malibu sunset views of Cielo Farms create a magical setting, making your evening celebrations unforgettable. Getting married with a breathtaking view and perfect weather, watching the sunset — it doesn’t get better than that.

Category	Important Details
Peak season	April to October
Base price	Starting at $15,000
Standard package inclusions	-Exclusive venue access -Exclusive venue access -Bridal suite -Table settings and chairs -Basic lighting -Parking
Guest capacity	Maximum: 200 guests
Hours included	12 hours
Venue type	-Winery -Vineyard -Ranch
Wedding theme	-Bohemian -Casual -Rustic -Shabby Chic -Spanish
Scenery	-Mountains -Rolling hills -Vineyard

1. Capacity

Cielo Farms Malibu can accommodate up to 200 wedding guests with no minimum guest requirement. It lets you use its outdoor wedding space whether you’re planning a grand or small wedding. Cielo Farms is one of the most intimate venues we’ve had the pleasure of photographing.

2. Seasons and Availability

Cielo Farms has a year-round availability for weddings. However, April to October are peak seasons for a Cielo Farms wedding because of the mild weather.

3. Location and Accessibility

You can find the scenic Cielo Farms on Mulholland Highway, Malibu, nestled in the Santa Monica Mountains. Cielo Farms provides on-site parking and valet for wedding guests. The venue can accommodate up to 100 cars.

We recommend coordinating shuttle services when bringing wedding guests to Malibu. When you have guests flying in, these are the nearest airports to Cielo Farms:

-Camarillo Airport (33-minute drive)
-Van Nuys Airport (35-minute drive)
-Santa Monica Airport (42-minute drive)
-Hollywood Burbank Airport (45-minute drive)
-Los Angeles International Airport (50-minute drive)

4. Costs

A Cielo Farms wedding cost starts around $12,500 for Fridays, with weekend weddings ranging from $13,500 to $16,500. Weekdays are priced by inquiry.

Expect higher wedding costs at Cielo Farms Malibu during the peak season. The final cost can also depend on how many guests you plan to invite, especially since you’ll need more dining options.

5. Standard Amenities and Package Inclusions

A Cielo Farms wedding offers a variety of amenities to provide a seamless and enjoyable experience for your special day. It provides:
-Premier rentals
-Consultations and party design
-Lighting
-Tables, chairs, and linens
-Cielo wine
-Sweetwater cocktails
-Parking attendance or valet

One of the unique aspects of Cielo Farms is that it offers incredible wine from its local vineyard – exclusively for Cielo Farms Malibu weddings. You may choose from red, white, and rose wine selections to accommodate your wedding party.

6. Ambiance and Aesthetics

Consider a Cielo Farms wedding if you envision celebrating your wedding day surrounded by Mediterranean vistas, Tuscan-inspired estate, and private gardens with luxurious decor.

This coastal vineyard, spanning thirty acres, features breathtaking views of the Santa Monica Mountains, lush vineyards, and hundreds of olive trees. Your wedding photographer can use the elegant garden spaces of Cielo Farms Malibu as backdrops for both posed and candid shots.

Cielo Farms features a Mediterranean design, offering a quaint venue perched on the cliffs overlooking Malibu’s interior vistas. With stunning sunset views and off-season warmer weather, it holds appeal year-round, making it an enchanting setting for weddings and events.

7. Venue Spaces

Cielo Farms features a layout that offers a convenient program transition from ceremonies to receptions. Basically, you’re renting the entire location for your wedding, giving you access to different picturesque sites of Cielo Farms Malibu.

Outlook Area

Often used as the ceremony lawn, the manicured grounds of Cielo Farms Malibu are where couples exchange vows. It has a panoramic vineyard and hill views, perfect for summer weddings. Additionally, it has a stunning backdrop of the Santa Monica Mountains.

Cocktail Terrace

Ideal for post-ceremony events, this Cielo Farms terrace has a generous mingling space and expansive views for wedding guests to enjoy a good bottle of wine.

Reception Barn
This Cielo Farms barn has a rustic-elegant design with its dramatic high ceilings and exposed beams. The atmospheric lighting of Malibu adds charm to romantic celebrations.

Pond and Stone Arch
These Cielo Farms wedding areas have enhanced outdoor lighting and serene garden surroundings, offering the perfect setting for romantic wedding photo opportunities.

Open Fields and Vineyard Areas
With acres of surrounding land and vineyard views, the open fields are ideal for golden hour wedding shots. Your Cielo Farms photos will have a touch of the local area’s authentic wine country story.

8. Menu Options

Cielo Farms’ menu and catering offer a memorable culinary experience for your wedding. You can also expect exclusive Cielo Farms wine-tasting opportunities featuring the best Malibu has to offer.

These menu options are crafted to delight the various taste preferences of a Cielo Farms wedding:
-Curated bar, wine, and dinner selection featuring Cielo Farms’ vineyard collections
-Fresh coastal California cuisine with seafood options
-Farm-to-table feast showcasing California’s seasonal bounty
-Italian feast complementing the venue’s Tuscan architecture

Regardless of the menu you opt for your wedding day, each Cielo Farms Malibu wedding menu includes:
-Locally sourced ingredients
-Gourmet food and wine preparation
-Customizable options
-Professional culinary team

9. Suites and Accommodations

Cielo Farms Malibu doesn’t offer accommodations for you and your wedding guests to stay at night. The good news is that the Cielo Farms property has nearby accommodations:
-Malibu Wine Trail Luxury Mansion (3-minute drive)
-Courtyard Thousand Oaks Agoura Hills (10-minute drive)
-Cambria Hotel Calabasas (13-minute drive)
-Four Seasons Hotel Westlake Village (13-minute drive)
-Nobu Ryokan Malibu (18 minutes)

However, a Cielo Farms wedding includes a bridal suite and groom’s quarters. Both areas allow photographers to capture wedding prep photos.

The spacious loft provides luxury amenities for the bridal party to get ready. Meanwhile, there’s a separate groom’s quarters that provide comfortable lounge seating for grooms and their groomsmen.

10. Personalization Options and Restrictions

Exchange vows surrounded by beautiful views at Cielo Farms while personalizing your wedding decor to match your vision. You can work with the in-house wedding design team to create the perfect background for wedding photos with panoramic surroundings.

However, Cielo Farms has important restrictions and requirements for any event:
-No open flames permitted.
-No confetti allowed.
-No smoke effects during performances.
-Decorations require advance venue approval.
-Preparation times are arranged case-by-case.
-Equipment removal schedule must be coordinated individually.

Our Experience Shooting Weddings at Cielo Farms

Cielo Farms, with its private, exclusive, and mostly inclusive atmosphere, is undeniably one of our favorite wedding venues. Who wouldn’t love capturing moments against a backdrop of stunning vistas and a Mediterranean climate?

Cielo Farms provides an unobstructed canvas to shoot our couples with a cinematic approach, steering clear of the overly shot areas that often saturate wedding photography.

What sets this location apart is its commitment to creating a seamless wedding experience. With its inherent beauty and versatility, we’re able to produce an exceptional gallery of Cielo Farms photos.

Wedding Flow

Navigating wedding venues can be challenging, yet Cielo Farms in Malibu offers a seamless experience with its intuitive layout. The wedding venue allows smooth transitions from ceremonies in the vineyard to receptions by the rustic stone barn or gardens.

As wedding photographers, we appreciate that this efficient flow guarantees that wedding timelines stay on track. The venue’s design allows us to capture stunning images effortlessly. The sunset views of Cielo Farms add an extra touch of magic, making your wedding day beautifully documented and stress-free.

Getting Ready

Cielo Farms brides have access to a stunning upstairs space with long windows and high ceilings for getting ready. The space is comfortable for capturing great images of the bride's final touch-ups and special moments with her family or maid of honor before moving into the first look.

First Look Spots

There's a plethora of first-look locations for a Cielo Farms wedding. With its openness to the cliffsides, a wedding photographer can take advantage of the natural light. Whether it's in front of the barn, along the pathway next to the vineyards, or overlooking the canyons, you have optimal choices.

We recommend using the Cielo Farms vistas, especially if your event is in the evening. The gorgeous light during sunset and blue hour provides the perfect background for romantic portraits. As photographers, we adore capturing moments during this time.

Guests Arriving

Valet at Cielo Farms provides a seamless arrival and entry into the ceremony, enhancing the guest experience. From there, wedding guests smoothly transition into cocktail hour and the reception, allowing couples to enjoy more time with their loved ones and minimizing any potential issues.

Additionally, Cielo Farms provides couples with exclusive time for moments like the first look and romantic photo sessions, making the day even more special.

From Ceremony to Reception

Both the ceremony and reception unfold under the outdoor beauty of Cielo Farms. The venue’s layout allows guests to enjoy the Cielo Farms scenery throughout the event. The flexibility in settings accommodates both formal and relaxed atmospheres.

Cocktail Hour

Often positioned in front of the barn, cocktail hour seamlessly transitions into the reception, providing guests with full access to the barn. It's an ideal space to enjoy the sunset at Cielo Farms while sipping a glass of wine.

Creative Photo Locations

There's an overwhelming wealth of romantic shooting locations at Cielo Farms. From the breathtaking vista views to the secluded secret garden and the captivating Tuscany-inspired decor, every facet of this space beckons with promise.

Each corner of Cielo Farms invites you to escape the crowd and indulge in intimate moments with your wedding photographer, creating timeless memories against a view of unparalleled Malibu beauty.

Reception

This venue is irresistibly cozy, with string lights casting a warm glow against the rustic barn. Cielo Farms is snug in winter and pleasantly cool in summer, making the location an all-season shooting haven.

There's an undeniable magic to an outdoor location. From sunsets casting a warm glow over speeches to dining as dusk settles in, and then kicking off the dance floor under a starlit sky, every moment contributes to an enchanting evening.

Wedding Themes for a Cielo Farms Wedding

After photographing a number of Cielo Farms weddings over the years, we’ve seen how this magical place can complement various wedding themes. Here are some wedding themes for a Cielo Farms wedding.

Rustic Luxury

Perfect for exchanging vows amid the natural Malibu landscape, a rustic luxury theme can emphasize the beautiful Malibu view while maintaining sophistication. Wooden farm tables adorned with soft pastel floral arrangements can complement the rustic ambiance of this Santa Monica Mountains property.

Country Romance

Celebrate the Cielo Farms vineyards with authentic wine country elements. In this theme, you can incorporate wine barrel decor and burgundy or deep red flowers. It’s a great idea if you prefer to serve farm-to-table cuisine for guests to complement Cielo Farms’ aesthetic.

Modern Minimalism

Do you prefer clean lines and neutral colors? You can use sleek decor that highlights the natural beauty of a Cielo Farms wedding day. Let the spectacular vineyard views serve as the primary decoration while creating an elegant contrast between modern elements and the rustic Malibu view and vibes.

Pros and Cons of Cielo Farms as a Wedding Venue

With Cielo Farms being a premium Malibu vineyard venue, you must consider both its advantages and disadvantages to make sure the location can meet your wedding day requirements.

Pros

-Surround yourself and your guests with meticulously maintained vineyards that provide stunning photo opportunities in every direction.

-Mesmerize your guests with the memorable views of rolling hills and the Santa Monica Mountains.

-Experience an exclusive wine-tasting session from Cielo Farms’ own vineyard.

-Take advantage of the thoughtfully designed layout for a seamless event flow between ceremonies and receptions.

Cons

-Cielo Farms wedding cost tends to be higher than many Los Angeles-area wedding locations, particularly during peak season months.

-The distance from major hubs like LAX or Downtown LA can be challenging for out-of-town guests to navigate.

-No on-site accommodations for guests to stay at night.

-Pets are generally not allowed, except for service animals or with prior approval.

Tips for Planning Your Cielo Farms Wedding

Want to make your wedding day stress-free? Here are some tips that can help you do that successfully:

1. Hire Professional Wedding Vendors

Hire professional wedding vendors to manage your special day, particularly wedding planners and coordinators, as well as wedding photographers and videographers. Professionals can help you brainstorm and execute every idea for your Cielo Farms wedding seamlessly.

2. Book Well in Advance

Choose your wedding date right away. Cielo Farms wedding dates fill quickly, particularly during the peak season of summer months. This also lets you schedule a visit to try their wine selections.

3. Manage Your Transportation Needs

Plan ahead for the drive to Malibu, as the remote location requires careful logistics. It’s also ideal to arrange shuttle services for guests, especially for those without their own vehicles. Make sure to consider how many guests you’ll invite so you won’t pay too much for travel expenses.

4. Provide Comfort and Weather Protection

Remember that Cielo Farms has more outdoor areas, so you’ll need a backup plan in case of bad weather. Provide shade solutions, whether for summer or rainy ceremonies. Keep guests comfortable at night with blankets and heaters.

How Can Couples Book a Cielo Farms Wedding in Malibu?

To book a Cielo Farms wedding in Malibu, couples should contact Cielo Farms directly by email or phone to schedule a tour. Sign the contract and provide a deposit to secure the date.

Can Couples Hold Both Their Ceremony and Reception at Cielo Farms?

Yes, couples can hold both the ceremony and reception at Cielo Farms and take advantage of the venue’s stunning scenery and top-class amenities for their big day.

How Long Is the Rental Period for a Cielo Farms Wedding?

The rental period for a Cielo Farms wedding typically lasts for 12 hours. These hours cover the setup and breakdown times.

Can Couples Bring Their Own Vendors for a Cielo Farms Wedding?

Couples can bring their preferred vendors for some aspects, especially for photographers, videographers, and florists. However, Cielo Farms has its own catering team, along with a list of preferred vendors for other food and bar services.

What Is a Good Cielo Farm Wedding Send-Off Idea?

A classic vintage car getaway provides a romantic and Instagram-worthy send-off at a Cielo Farms wedding. Staying true to your wine-themed wedding, your guests can also toss wine corks against the beautiful view of the Malibu mountains.

What Wedding Favors Can I Use for a Cielo Farms Wedding?

Popular wedding favors that reflect the venue’s character include custom-labeled bottles of the estate’s wine and locally sourced olive oil.

What Activities Can Couples and Their Guests Do Near Cielo Farms?

Guests can enjoy numerous nearby activities, including beach excursions, Malibu Pier visits, shopping at Malibu Country Mart, and surfing lessons. You can also go to oceanfront restaurants and experience scenic drives along the Pacific Coast Highway.

Conclusion

With in-house wine selections, breathtaking views, exceptional service, and a relaxing atmosphere, Cielo Farms makes an ideal choice for couples seeking a sophisticated vineyard wedding experience that their guests will remember for years to come. As your wedding photographers, we’ll give you stunning Cielo Farms wedding photos that authentically reflect your bond.